OFFICIALS AND TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS: Dressage Judge Shirley Rector is unable to judge this year as originally scheduled and has engaged a replacement for us. Her name is Kristine Janisco. Kristine is an experienced FEI performer at advanced levels and has received coaching from Shirley in the nuances of driven dressage vs. ridden dressage. I have talked with Kristine and she is excited to accept judging the ADT scheduled for Oct. 27th.

Wayne Kramer, who is an ADS Technical Delegate will also judge cones and may be joined by supporter Jim Erbacher who plans to try to join us for the event. Further, Wayne will conduct training on October 16th after 2:00 pm for those who are in an obstacle judging team and for those who simply want to learn either as a judge, team member or curious learner anticipating future volunteerism. Wayne will be available during the event to interpret the Rule Book.

One provision newly implemented for our event is that, should a driver feel they need assistance of a navigator/reader for the dressage test, they may ask the host and TD for a determination based on individual circumstances they believe support their request. The decision will be final.

FOOD AND FUN

PARTY: (Friday evening from 4-7:00 pm) Bring something to share and your own beverage if it is not water, wine, or beer which will be provided. Also, provided are BBQ pulled and sliced beef. Entertainment, as last year, will be by the Ping Brothers – last year they were a hit! Neighbors and volunteers will be invited to join us. We will meet on the lighted tennis court.

LUNCH: Lunch will be available for purchase. Last year we ran short on sandwiches and will increase that amount this year. If you know you will be purchasing food rather than bringing it, we would appreciate your indicating such on your entry form including whether you prefer vegetarian.

HALLOWEEN: Costumes are welcome both Friday evening and Saturday for you and your equine. A prize for the best costume each day will be awarded and determined by claps and cheers.

Note an updated entry form is linked above.

Previous Event Information:

Save the date: October 27th, 2018 at the Butterfield driving facility in Long Meadow Ranch, Prescott, AZ. The obstacles course will be wide and sweeping to take advantage of some of the natural features and trees and to encourage your equine for a big “go.” Trish Demers has designed the cones course from events she has experienced in the past and from which she saved the written designs. Wayne Kramer will serve as Technical Delegate and has volunteered to judge cones as well. Peter Atonna will be mapping cones and obstacles for later posting on our web site. Wayne, as technical delegate will be available for questions from drivers until one hour after the last turnout has completed the obstacles course. We have expanded AZ Oasis so there are two ponds, well really a pond and puddle, and more possibilities for interesting routes. Hazards practice will close by the end of October 21st – though, Native Land is included in the hazards course and, will be available for you to lead (without cart or carriage) your equine through. This arrangement is made to be sure anyone concerned that their equine might want to meet the metal animals first has a chance to do so. This exception will end at dusk the day before the ADT. A warm up field will be available beside the dressage arena.

Again, the Williamson Valley Fire Department will provide “on-call” emergency services. Most important is that you have a fun and safe time, as has been our recent experience. None-the-less, it’s good to have the EMT coverage. We thank the firefighters for their continuing support of this event.

We have planned for open use of the facility; turnouts will be welcome on site beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 24th for dry camping and trail/dressage/ or National Forest driving. On Friday, Oct. 26th a party will be held on the tennis court with music by the Ping Brothers again and main course provided. Bring something to share and BYO. Barn Star, a local brewery, will bring selections from their very excellent down the road bar. Neighbors will be invited to meet you and your equines if you are agreeable. Some of the neighbors may ask you questions and you might find them wandering around the course.

Food will provided at an on-site concession. Judges, required officials, and non-competitor volunteers will be will be provided $5 lunch tickets in trade for their assignments. Last year we ran out of lunches for some people still holding tickets. We will make every effort to resolve that challenge this year.

October weather in Prescott at Long Meadow Ranch can be warm during the day with crisp mornings and evenings. Rains generally end by mid-September, so this event should present few natural challenges.

Look for more information in upcoming newsletters and on the club’s website.